The Lost Letter

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By Agatha

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An uncanny sensation slithered through Hattie’s stomach, like a snake stalking its prey: steady, yet you never know when it’s going to pounce... Letters, to Hattie, created this sensation every time a reply landed on her doorstep, as though she clicked her fingers and a solution was there- booming an opportunity that could forever change her life. Exciting, nonetheless, daunting. Stumbling to the postbox, Hattie hesitated to post her latest letter and wiped a tear swiftly off her cheek; it was going to Cameron, her best friend, who had died in a drowning accident earlier that year.

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Going swimming, Hattie lied to Cameron and said they could go in the sea outside the lifeguard flags… However, with a rip current dragging her down, Cameron lost energy panicking and Hattie watched her drown in the water- unsure what to do. Sometimes talking about a tragedy is harder than encountering one, since the sombre event makes you feel guilty and uncovers questions like: ‘were you the murderer?’ And murderers carry sins which profuse them with desolation and endless thoughts of anguish, leading them into a pit of nothingness... Ever since Cameron’s death, she had been hearing a voice echo in her head, singing: “I watch you as you sleep. I watch you late at night. I watch you go to school. I watch you turn off the light.”

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 So that is why Hattie had therapy sessions!

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During the first session, it was about guilt. One of her coping mechanisms was to write letters to ‘Cameron’ so she could let go of her emotions. Obviously, the letters didn’t go to Cameron- but her parents, who empathised with the melancholy girl and read them thoughtfully. As the weeks swept by, it became Halloween and despite the tubs overflowing with treats, Hattie wasn’t hungry; it was the day she was going to send her third letter and ask for Cameron’s forgiveness! Although Hattie was feeling regret, her sadness was beautifully ugly and made her brave the postbox on Friday 13th…

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Moving on with the story, Hattie shoved the brown envelope inside the postbox and dawdled home. The apology prevented her mourning and she grew excited for trick- or- treating! With luscious lollipops and devious dolls, Halloween was Hattie’s favourite holiday because she loved surprises. I mean, who didn’t?

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 Knocking door after door, Hattie’s witch dress stuck onto her skin: sweaty and uncomfortable. She glanced at children with their parents and felt pride for being alone on the creepiest Friday of the year! It was exhilarating to have freedom but each chocolate tasted bittersweet as Cameron wasn’t there and she’d dress up as a ghost. Realising the time, Hattie finished trick- or- treating and noticed a dingy ally way running home. That wasn’t there before. Hearing an ear- piercing scream, she didn’t have the courage to investigate and hoped for no murderers on the loose (hoped.)

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“Darling, there is a letter in the mail for you.” Hattie’s mother, Lynda, shrieked at her daughter trembling in the hallway. Why on Halloween? Now was the time for eating!

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“Who from? Did dad mention anything? Any gifts I need to know about?”

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“I don’t know. Stop waffling and read it yourself!” With a swish of Lynda’s dressing gown, the kid was in her bedroom, ripping open the envelope:

Dear Hattie,

I stole your letter from my parents and, after reading it, want to meet up with you... I must decide whether I forgive you for my death, so find me in the ally way. You know where I’m talking about. How about we play dolls? I’ve missed my bestie after all this time.

 Friday 13th is such a bright day- don’t you think?  

Cameron

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Hattie’s heart was in her mouth. No- this could not be true. It was a prank- right? Because people didn’t come back from the dead. But if it was a prank, how did their handwriting match perfectly with Cameron’s? She had to see this for herself. This was her last chance to see Cameron again… if it was real of course! This was the day a letter gave her an opportunity she couldn’t miss!

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Clinging onto her coat, Hattie felt a plethora of emotions when peaking inside the ally way: terror, nerves, curiosity and faith... The end of each cobblestone house smelt mouldy until she understood the stench wasn’t coming from something, yet someone. Suddenly, a hand clenched the girl’s shoulder and spun her round. The owner of the hand was a peculiar figure in a white and translucent dress. She felt a breath on her neck.

“Did you really think I would forgive you?”

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Hattie didn’t dare look up.

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“You killed me.” The figure continued.

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“I… I didn’t… promise. Why did I take that letter from mother?” Hattie stuttered desperately. “What do you want… C- Ca- Cameron?”

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The words barely left her mouth.

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“I want you to suffer like I did!”

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At this sentence, Hattie shivered. She could recognise Cameron’s smirk anywhere.

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“You were the one who swam- not me! I have cried this whole time and still don’t believe you’re a ghost. PROVE IT!” Until Cameron appeared on her other side, Hattie didn’t understand the cold draft came from the figure gliding through her diaphragm.

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“Is that enough evidence?” Ginger, fun and freckle- faced Cameron didn’t look so loving now.

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“I’m done playing games.” Cameron drew out a blood- dripping knife from behind her back and sliced it through Hattie’s chest, while she watched her life slip away- memories fading as time became a blur. She didn’t even get to say goodbye to her mum! Hattie didn’t deserve to die- all she wanted was forgiveness. But, on that Friday 13th, every ghost spent the night seeking revenge and using their hours of freedom (only on that day) to kill innocents. Their place for murder was the ally way.

Back in Hattie’s house, Lynda saw two letters on her doorstep saying:

“You're next...”